The Ultimate Powerhouse: Smith & Wesson Model 500 – A Deep Dive into Extreme Performance

When discussions turn to the most powerful handguns ever created for civilian ownership, one name invariably dominates the conversation: the Smith & Wesson Model 500. This formidable revolver, specifically the 8.38-inch stainless steel version with a black polymer grip (Model 163501), redefines what's possible in a handgun. It's not just a firearm; it's a statement, an engineering marvel designed for those who demand unparalleled power, precision, and presence.

Who is the Smith & Wesson Model 500 For?

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is engineered for a specific, demanding audience. Are you an experienced hunter seeking to ethically dispatch the largest, most dangerous game animals on the planet, including moose, bear, or even African buffalo, with a handgun? Do you trek through remote wilderness where encounters with apex predators like grizzly bears or cougars are a real possibility, necessitating the ultimate in personal protection? Or perhaps you are an enthusiast of extreme firearms, a collector who appreciates groundbreaking engineering, or a recreational shooter looking to master one of the most potent production handguns ever manufactured? If any of these describe you, the Model 500 is precisely the tool designed to meet and exceed your expectations.

This isn't a beginner's handgun. Its immense power requires respect, training, and a solid understanding of firearm safety and recoil management. For the seasoned shooter, however, it offers an exhilarating and profoundly effective experience that few other firearms can match.

What Problems Does the Smith & Wesson Model 500 Solve?

The primary problem the Smith & Wesson Model 500 solves is the need for overwhelming stopping power in a handgun platform. This becomes critical in several scenarios:

• Dangerous Game Hunting: When pursuing large, thick-skinned, or potentially dangerous game, an ethical hunter requires a cartridge capable of delivering sufficient energy for a clean, humane kill. The .500 S&W Magnum cartridge, chambered in the Model 500, delivers magnum rifle-level energy, making it a viable and often preferred option for handgun hunting where legal and appropriate. It ensures deep penetration and massive energy transfer, crucial for species that can absorb lesser impacts.
• Bear and Large Predator Defense: For adventurers, guides, and residents in areas with significant populations of large, aggressive predators, the Model 500 offers a last line of defense. Its ability to quickly deliver immense kinetic energy can deter or incapacitate a charging animal, providing a crucial margin of safety in life-threatening situations.
• Extreme Target Shooting and Personal Challenge: For sport shooters, the Model 500 presents a unique challenge and an incredible opportunity to master a truly powerful firearm. It's a test of skill, discipline, and nerve, offering an unparalleled shooting experience that pushes the boundaries of handgun performance.

Exploring the Core Features: Why the Model 500 Stands Apart

The Smith & Wesson Model 500, specifically the 163501 configuration, boasts a suite of features meticulously designed to harness its extraordinary power while maintaining a degree of shootability and durability.

• The .500 S&W Magnum Cartridge: At the heart of the Model 500's legendary status is its proprietary cartridge. Developed in collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Cor-Bon, the .500 S&W Magnum was introduced in 2003 with one goal: to create the most powerful production handgun cartridge in the world. It achieves this by launching massive bullets (typically ranging from 275 to 700 grains) at incredible velocities. For instance, a 350-grain bullet can exit the barrel at over 1,900 feet per second, generating over 2,800 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This energy rivals, and often surpasses, that of many popular rifle cartridges, making it an ethical choice for large game up to and including Cape buffalo when fired from a proficient shooter.
  • Ballistic Prowess: The sheer kinetic energy and momentum generated by the .500 S&W Magnum ensure deep, straight-line penetration through tough hide, muscle, and bone. This is paramount when hunting dangerous game where a single, well-placed shot must be decisive.
  • Versatility in Loads: While known for its heavy-hitting capabilities, the .500 S&W Magnum also offers a surprising degree of versatility with various bullet weights and designs, including jacketed hollow points, soft points, and monolithic solids, allowing shooters to tailor ammunition to specific applications.
• X-Frame Design: To safely contain the immense pressures generated by the .500 S&W Magnum, Smith & Wesson engineered an entirely new frame size, the "X-Frame." This extra-large, incredibly robust frame is significantly larger and stronger than their traditional L-frame or N-frame designs. The X-Frame provides the necessary structural integrity to withstand the tremendous recoil forces and internal pressures, ensuring durability and longevity even under sustained use. Its imposing size also contributes to the revolver's overall weight, which helps to mitigate perceived recoil.
• 8.38-inch Stainless Steel Barrel: This substantial barrel length is not merely for aesthetics; it plays a critical role in the Model 500's performance.
  • Maximizing Velocity: A longer barrel allows for a more complete burn of the gunpowder, translating directly into higher muzzle velocities for the heavy .500 S&W Magnum projectiles. Higher velocity means more kinetic energy, flatter trajectories (within handgun ranges), and greater terminal performance.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: The extended sight radius provided by an 8.38-inch barrel significantly aids in achieving greater accuracy, especially at longer handgun hunting ranges. A longer barrel also tends to stabilize heavy bullets more effectively.
  • Recoil Management: The added weight of the long, heavy stainless steel barrel contributes to the revolver's overall mass. This increased mass acts as a counterweight, absorbing and distributing the violent recoil impulse, making the gun more manageable than a shorter-barreled version might be.
  • Integrated Muzzle Compensator: The 163501 model typically features an integral compensator or muzzle brake at the end of the barrel. This design directs expanding gasses upwards and outwards, significantly reducing muzzle rise and the feeling of rearward recoil. This innovative feature is crucial for maintaining control and enabling faster follow-up shots, which is a key consideration when facing dangerous game.
• Durable Stainless Steel Construction: The entire revolver, including the frame, cylinder, and barrel, is constructed from high-grade stainless steel. This material choice offers several distinct advantages:
  • Exceptional Strength: Stainless steel provides the unparalleled tensile strength required to endure the extreme forces of the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge.
  • Corrosion Resistance: It offers superior resistance to rust and corrosion, making the Model 500 ideal for use in harsh outdoor environments, from humid forests to saltwater coastlines. This low-maintenance quality ensures reliability regardless of weather conditions.
  • Longevity: The inherent durability of stainless steel ensures that the Model 500 is a firearm built to last for generations, capable of handling thousands of powerful rounds.
• Black Polymer Grip: While the metal components handle the brute force, the black polymer grip is crucial for shooter comfort and control.
  • Ergonomics: Designed to fill the hand comfortably, the polymer grip provides a secure hold, which is essential for managing heavy recoil.
  • Recoil Absorption: Modern polymer materials often have properties that can absorb and dissipate some of the recoil energy, reducing felt recoil and shooter fatigue.
  • All-Weather Performance: Unlike wood grips, polymer grips are impervious to moisture and temperature changes, ensuring a consistent and reliable grip in any condition.

Real-World Use Cases & Applications:

• Big Game Hunting Handgun: Is the Smith & Wesson Model 500 a good choice for hunting large animals? Absolutely. For hunters seeking the challenge of harvesting large game with a handgun, the Model 500 is an unparalleled option. It’s particularly effective for species like elk, moose, bison, and large bears. Its substantial power ensures clean kills when shots are placed accurately. Many professional guides and experienced handgun hunters recommend it for its decisive terminal performance.
• Wilderness Protection and Bear Defense: What is the best handgun for bear protection? For those traversing areas populated by dangerous wildlife, such as grizzly bears, black bears, or cougars, the Model 500 offers superior stopping power compared to smaller calibers. Its ability to deliver a massive blow, even through heavy fur and bone, provides peace of mind and a critical advantage in a dire situation. Park rangers, backwoods explorers, and remote cabin owners often consider this level of power essential.
• Extreme Target Shooting: How can I experience the most powerful handgun? For the recreational shooter, the Model 500 offers an exhilarating and challenging experience. Firing such a powerful cartridge requires concentration and proper technique, making it an excellent way to hone advanced shooting skills. It’s a true “hand cannon” that commands respect on the range.
• Firearm Collectors: What handguns are considered iconic or record-breaking? The Smith & Wesson Model 500 holds a unique place in firearms history as the progenitor of the X-Frame and the cartridge that set a new standard for handgun power. Its innovative design and record-breaking performance make it a highly desirable piece for collectors interested in the evolution of powerful handguns.

Mastering the Beast: Considerations for Owning a Model 500

While incredibly powerful and effective, the Smith & Wesson Model 500 does come with certain considerations:

• Recoil Management: How do you handle the recoil of a .500 S&W Magnum? Despite its weight and recoil-reducing features, the Model 500 still generates significant recoil. Proper shooting stance, firm grip, and understanding the gun's mechanics are crucial. Many users benefit from starting with lighter loads or utilizing a sturdy rest during initial practice sessions. It’s an experience that demands respect and practice.
• Ammunition Cost and Availability: Is .500 S&W Magnum ammunition expensive? Due to its specialized nature, .500 S&W Magnum ammunition is typically more expensive than common handgun calibers. Availability can also be more limited, though major ammunition manufacturers and reputable retailers like DEGuns stock a variety of loads. Handloading is a popular option for many owners to manage costs and customize their loads.
• Weight and Portability: At over 4.5 pounds unloaded, the 8.38-inch Model 500 is a substantial firearm. While its weight aids in recoil absorption, it's not a light-duty carry gun. For wilderness carry, a robust chest holster or specific pack setup is often preferred to distribute its weight comfortably.
• Noise: The powerful .500 S&W Magnum generates a very loud report. Hearing protection, ideally double protection (earplugs and earmuffs), is absolutely essential when shooting this firearm.

Why Choose the Smith & Wesson Model 500 (163501) from DEGuns?

For those ready to embrace the pinnacle of handgun power, the Smith & Wesson Model 500 (Model 163501 with its 8.38-inch stainless barrel and black polymer grip) is the definitive choice. Its reputation for raw power, combined with Smith & Wesson's century-plus legacy of crafting reliable and innovative firearms, makes it an unmatched option for serious hunters, wilderness protectors, and extreme firearms enthusiasts.

When you're looking for where to buy the Smith & Wesson Model 500, look no further than DEGuns.com. DEGuns offers competitive pricing and a commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring you receive this legendary firearm with the support and expertise you expect. Acquiring the Smith & Wesson Model 500 from DEGuns means investing in a firearm that is not only robust and dependable but also represents the absolute zenith of handgun ballistic performance. It's more than just a purchase; it's an acquisition of unmatched capability and an icon of firearm engineering.

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is an investment in ultimate performance and peace of mind, delivering supreme stopping power when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Smith & Wesson Model 500

Q: What is the primary purpose of the Smith & Wesson Model 500?

A: The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is designed for extreme power, primarily for hunting large, dangerous game, wilderness protection against large predators, and as a challenging recreational shooting experience for experienced enthusiasts.

Q: Is the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge suitable for self-defense?

A: While immensely powerful, the .500 S&W Magnum is generally considered overkill for typical personal self-defense scenarios due to its massive recoil, muzzle blast, and significant over-penetration potential in urban environments. It is better suited for defense against large, dangerous animals in wilderness settings.

Q: How does the X-Frame enhance the Model 500's performance?

A: The X-Frame is an extra-large, incredibly robust frame specifically engineered to withstand the immense pressures and recoil generated by the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge. Its strength and mass contribute to the revolver's durability and aid in recoil absorption, making the powerful round more manageable.

Q: What kind of recoil should I expect from the Smith & Wesson Model 500?

A: Despite features like its heavy weight and muzzle brake, the Smith & Wesson Model 500 generates very substantial recoil. It's often described as a powerful push rather than a sharp snap, but it requires a firm grip, proper stance, and practice to manage effectively. Experienced shooters typically find it manageable with training.

Q: Can I use different ammunition types in the Model 500?

A: Yes, the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge is available in various bullet weights and types, including jacketed hollow points, soft points, and solid monolithic bullets, from different manufacturers. This allows users to choose ammunition optimized for specific purposes, such as hunting different game sizes or target shooting.

Q: Is the Smith & Wesson Model 500 easy to clean and maintain?

A: Yes, the stainless steel construction of the Model 500 makes it highly resistant to corrosion and relatively easy to clean. Regular cleaning after use, focusing on the bore and cylinder chambers, will ensure its longevity and reliable performance.

Q: Where is the best place to purchase the Smith & Wesson Model 500?

A: The Smith & Wesson Model 500, including the 163501 model, is available for purchase at DEGuns.com, a reputable dealer known for its selection and customer service.

Smith & Wesson Model 500 (163501) Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Smith & Wesson 500 (163501)
Caliber	.500 S&W Magnum
Capacity	5 Rounds
Barrel Length	8.38 inches
Frame Material	Stainless Steel
Cylinder Material	Stainless Steel
Grip Material	Black Polymer
UPC	022188635010